Reported by Adam Smith
The defender, who on Saturday will play his 100th consecutive match with South Adelaide in the SANFL, is good friends with Devils coach Daryn Cresswell.
Cresswell said yesterday he has been in touch with the key position player, who at 188cm and 95kg could help bolster a young and inexperienced backline.
Bennett played 32 games with the Swans between 1999 and 2002, kicking 11 goals.
He has been one of the shining lights for the Panthers this season, who sit second-last with just four wins.
"I have spoken to Bennett for next year, he would be good for the group we have got at the moment," Cresswell said.
"He is very experienced and to have someone like him around such a young group would be very valuable. He would provide plenty of leadership and could fast-track our younger players."
Cresswell said Bennett was looking into establishing some business opportunities in Tasmania, which could provide the lure. The Devils coach also said he has been in contact with other Tasmanians playing in the SANFL -- Nathan Grima and Ian Callinan.
"Obviously they are Tasmanian, our whole philosophy is to get them back home.
"If Tasmanians become available and there is the prospect of them moving back home, that would be great."
Meanwhile, full-forward Adam Derbyshire is not a 100 per cent certainty to return to the side for this weekend's clash with Coburg.
Derbyshire opted to play for Launceston last weekend in order to qualify for the NTFL finals, with a decision on his inclusion to be discussed later this week.
Emerging ruckman Tom Bellchambers is unavailable due to school commitments, while the likes of defender Alex Grima and on-baller Aaron Joseph will continue to get game time following their impressive showing last week.
